Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Panthers franchise CB Josh Norman also won’t be in attendance for the start of offseason workouts in the coming weeks.
This doesn’t come as a big surprise, seeing as the two sides are reportedly nowhere close to an agreement on a long-term extension.
Charles Robinson mentioned earlier in the week things “could get messy” between the Panthers and Norman before any progress is made toward a long-term extension.
Robinson’s sources said that the Panthers view Norman’s franchise tag salary as a one-year deal in line with the “elite four” cornerbacks in the game — Darrelle Revis, Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman. However, Norman reportedly contends that the Giants signed CB Janoris Jenkins to a deal that will pay him close to what Norman is making under the tag.
As a free agent, Norman could have signed for as much as $15-$16 million per year.
Robinson doesn’t see them making much progress in the coming months and adds that Norman could hold out of offseason workouts.
The tag will run the Panthers $13.952 million fully guaranteed for the 2016 season, but won’t prevent them from negotiating a long-term deal before the July deadline.
Norman, 28, is a former fifth-round pick of the Panthers back in 2012. After playing out the final year of his four-year, $2,299,000 rookie contract. Carolina used their franchise tag on him close to a month ago.
In 2015, Norman appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and recorded 56 tackles, four interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, and 18 pass defenses for the Panthers. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 6 cornerback out of 118 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a long-term deal for Norman as the news is available.
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